These items, whether because they were used for cooking or were near to someones sweaty skin, smelled like a potential food source at first, and the robber crabs had to check them out. Some eat the crab with coconut, while others enjoy the crustacean by itself. They are a very rare species and only found on certain islands in the Indian and western Pacific Ocean. And some believed that they could tear a human being apart, limb from limb. 10. Unlike some of its relatives the coconut crab also covers its abdomen with shells, as its body is softer than other species. They say coconut crabs might be the reason why Amelia Earhart's body was never found in the South Pacific. It weighs up to nine pounds, stretches three feet long, and can carry more than six times its own body weight. Caribbean, they have been introduced to the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis and the British Virgin Islands. The coconut crab is said to taste buttery and sweet. Interestingly enough, the abdominal sack is reportedly the best part of the crab. A theory about famed pilot Amelia Earhart's disappearance stating that her body was eaten by coconut crabs, a 3-foot-long arthropod with claws . Coconut crabs reach sexual maturity at around 5 years old, but after that they are extremely slow-growing. Experts believe that the reason why the crabs steal such specific items has to do with the coconut crabs acute scent organs. (Linnaeus, 1767) (Anomura: Coenobitidae). Retrieved August 31, 2021, from , 9Gross, W. (1955). Baby coconut crabs have a long journey from birth. But there are some rumors that coconut crab is poisonous or dangerous to eat. Long before the province's dramatic seascapes and rolling hills caught the attention of foreigners, locals were catching, selling and dining on these large crabs with hardly any consequences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.06.017, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Birgus_latro/. (2006, September 9). Guess what? After 20 to 30 days the zoea develops into a glaucothoe, the intermediate stage, and leaves the water to live in a seashell for three or four weeks. Then, check out the most dangerous animals on Earth. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, vol. The coconut crab ( Birgus latro ), the coolest, most awesome, most beautiful inhabitant of the Vamizi Island. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from, , CNN Travel | Global Destinations, Tips & Video CNN. 17 Captivating Coconut Crab Facts. And visitors on the islands have also enjoyed giving them a try. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from . This is not a problem for them, because they can grow another leg from the scar where the last one was found. In 1906, English naturalist Henry Ridley described how coconut crabs were stealing items from his tent, such as saucepans, bottles, and even a boot.19, He further described how one snatched away a towel while he was cooking dinner, and on a different night, one robber crab found a bottle of quinine a medicine for malaria laying by his head, which he later found open but unbroken a short distance from his tent.22, In 1976, another researcher wrote that he even saw a coconut crab carrying around a bottle of whiskey. David Kirkland / Design Pics / Getty Images. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from. Depending on where you live, this crab is also served . With the rate that the ocean levels are rising, and the low sea-level areas that these crabs inhabit, they may begin to decline even more rapidly. The team from Vatuvara, USP-IMR and Ministry of Fisheries conducting surveys at night, when coconut crabs are found to be most active. Project overview and literature survey. Its believed that this may have been the body of Amelia Earhart the famous female aviator who disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean in 1937. They May Be the Reason Amelia Earharts Body Was Never Found. Later in 1976, another researcher noticed a coconut crab toting a bottle of whiskey behind it. These crustaceans earned the nicknames "robber crabs" and "palm thieves" because they've been known to steal random objects like pots, pans, coconut shells, and other items and carry them around for protection. 1Biology of the Land Crabs. The crab's slow rate of growth as well as late sexual maturity (six to eight years of age), has made them very susceptible to over exploitation. They can live 60 years, get three feet wide and nine pounds. Theyve also been sighted fighting over wristwatches and taking sandals and cooking tins, but they never get very far before determining whatever they stole isnt edible.22, Scientists believe that the reason these conniving crabs steal these specific items is related to their acute sense of smell. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 22Burton, A. #3 Snow Crabs. Coconut crabs are generalist scavengers that feed on fallen fruit, carrion, and (to ingest calcium) the shells of other crabs. You probably already think youve learned all the interesting facts about giant coconut crabs that you can, but theres still some worth mentioning. Aspects of Osmotic Regulation in Crabs Showing the Terrestrial Habit. As one recent viral video shows, they can skewer seabirds that are . The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery has hypothesized that Earhart made an emergency landing on the island and eventually died, but her body was never found because it was dragged away by massive coconut crabs. So theres no question that a robber crab would attack humans if provoked. Giant coconut crabs are the most land-adapted of the crustaceans In fact, Christmas Island, situated in the Indian Ocean, has the, Theyre smart. These terrestrial crustaceans arent just known for their coconut-breaking abilities, but for their thieving skills as well. Coconut crabs are found across the Indo-Pacific, from islands off the coast of Africa near Zanzibar to the Gambier Islands in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from , 17Laidre, Mark E. (2017). (2019, August 20). Experts believe that these amazing animals were first described by none other than legendary biologist Charles Darwin. Their two powerful front chelipeds allow them to tear through the tough husk of a coconut and feed on the flesh. As the largest land crab in the world, the coconut crabs size alone is intimidating. (n.d.). The IUCN describes the threats to coconut crabs as primarily human-related (harvesting, trade, and road kills) and invasive species-related. Wikimedia CommonsAmelia Earhart, pictured here shortly before her disappearance in 1937. A 9-pound coconut crab has a crushing force of 3,300 newtons, significantly higher than other crustaceans like lobsters, who only have claw strengths of 150 newtons. Krieger, J., Sandeman, R.E., Sandeman, D.C. et al. They did some tests on the bones and it seems very very likely it's her but they can't say for 100% fact. During World War II, these clever coconut crabs gained a reputation for stealing items from the trenches of American marines. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from, , Gallagher, K. (2021, April 27). 17,18, According to scientists, this unusual predatory behavior is an adaptation due to their food source Since they are stuck on land, sometimes they must find something other than coconuts to eat.14, This scavenging nature is partially why these creatures are sometimes called robber crabs, but these crabs go beyond thieving from carcasses. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 14.6K subscribers The coconut crab (Birgus latro), is the largest land-dwelling crustacean earth. If you think the only thing, you must be worried about when walking under trees in Raja Ampat . Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 15, no. A typical coconut crab claw measures about 2 inches long, and weighs anywhere from 1/2 ounce to 3 ounces. (2021, September 1). Coconut crabs on Bora Bora, pictured in 2006. But would it eat one of us? (n.d.). The coconut crab can be found all across the Indian Ocean, the place where it is most abundant. Coconut crabs are edible and, in fact, considered a delicacy on various islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. If that indeed happened to Earhart, then she may have been the only person on Earth who was eaten by coconut crabs. 4. "Coconut Crab." This combination allows them to adeptly climb vertical surfaces . (n.d.). Retrieved August 31, 2021, from, , Handbook of Food Toxicology. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from , 2Coconut crab videos, photos and facts. Their best-considered parts are the female eggs and the fat in the abdomen. If these special creatures and organisms did not exist, dead plants, animals, and waste (fecal matter) from other organisms would not get a chance to break down. The coconut crab sometimes called a robber crab boasts powerful pincers, which are some of the most dangerous weapons in the animal kingdom. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from , 23Krieger, J., Sandeman, R.E., Sandeman, D.C. et al. Coconut crabs (Birgus latro), also called robber crabs are the largest terrestrial crabs. The two front legs have powerful claws, followed by two pairs of strong walking legs with pointed tips. They can weigh 9 pounds and measure 3 feet from leg to leg. Females give birth just once a year, and their offspring face many dangers from predators while theyre young and vulnerable. Snow crabs (rock crabs) are a type of Alaskan crab with incredibly long legs. Most of the daylight hours are passed in burrows up to about 0.6 metre (2 feet) deep, sometimes two crabs to a burrow. Babies at sea Coconut crab eggs hatch in the ocean, and the larvae float in the sea for up to 28 days. Its estimated that coconut crab populations have declined by at least 30 percent in the past 60 years, and this trend is projected to continue for another 20 years.19. In recent years, the overhunting and overharvesting of coconut crabs have led to fears that they may be threatened or even endangered. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery, Ruler of the Atoll: the World's Largest Land Invertebrate, Support climate crisis mitigation and help, While traveling, spend time in protected areas like. Coconut crabs dont usually try to hurt people, but there have been exceptions. The immense Coconut Crab (or Robber Crab) is the largest terrestrial arthropod on earth, (Grub 1971). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Its worth noting that the mystery of what happened to Amelia Earhart has never been completely solved. Amazed by these coconut crab facts? On their isolated islands, giant coconut crabs live in solitary shelters, in dirt or sand burrows that they dig, or rock crevices depending on the areas terrain. As one might imagine, the coconut crabs size means that this crustacean has plenty of meat. (2010). They are a popular food item in many cultures and are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. And for hundreds of years, this crustacean has certainly left a big impression on anyone lucky enough or unlucky enough to encounter it. In short, almost nothing is off the menu for a robber crab. The full-grown adult ranges in colouring from light violet to brown and deep purple. They also exist in Pacific Islands like Mangaia, where coconut palms grow abundantly and provide food for these interesting creatures that live up to their name: Coconut Crab (Kaju Kera). (2006, September 9). We will explain where do coconut crabs live and some more fun facts about them. So many locals have enjoyed eating these crustaceans for centuries now. They will mount attacks at night when they have the advantage, snatching unsuspecting prey that pass too close to their burrows much like the trapdoor spider. He wrote about coconut crabs after encountering them during his Beagle voyage through the Indian Ocean, describing them as "a monstrous size," and marveling at the ease in which the great crab cracked into a hard-shelled coconut covered with husk. Not only does this exceed the grip strength of humans and lobsters, but also the bite force of most terrestrial predators. Stone crabs have large . The truth is that coconut crabs often have more reason to fear humans than the other way around. Scavengers are animals that find dead plants or animals and eat the remains to gain nutrients from the decaying matter. Thanks to their strong pincers, these crustaceans can climb just about anything they see from the branches of a tree to the chains of a fence. Their behemoth size means that they provide a lot of crab meat, so some local communities have come to rely on them as a food source or to sell. Information about Coconut Crabs. It's about three pounds and 16 inches from leg to leg. Their diet encompasses a variety of things, so anything left unattended becomes a potential source of food for them, including any smelly objects you have laying around. Wikimedia CommonsAs one might imagine, the coconut crabs size means that this crustacean has plenty of meat. It is found on islands across the Indian Ocean, and parts of the Pacific Ocean as far east as the Gambier Islands and Pitcairn Islands, mirroring the distribution of the coconut palm; it has been extirpated from most areas with a significant human population, including mainland Australia and Madagascar. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from, History, T. (n.d.). Their claws are strong enough to lift objects as heavy as 61 pounds, while their grip is about 10 times stronger than that of humans. Lavery, S.; Fielder, D.R. These organisms then break down what is leftover, so that the waste is completely gone and its nutrients can be recycled back into the soil or elsewhere. And, it could be the animal that devoured Amelia Earhart. The fishermen of the island told us this. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Others claimed that their claws could break through a coconut. Ruler of the atoll: the worlds largest land invertebrate. 16. A team of scientists ran a test in 2007 to see what the coconut crabs would have done to Amelia Earhart if they found her dead or dying body on the beach. Systema Naturae per Regna Tria Naturae. Retrieved August 31, 2021, from , 24Coconut crab. Information about Coconut Crabs. (2010). What are their critter talents? Retrieved August 31, 2021, from, . In fact, these fascinating facts about these little or rather, big thieves might just make you question what you know about crustaceans. 1 Despite this, their population levels have been steadily shrinking each year. While searching for coconut husks, some locals have made the mistake of putting their fingers into the crabs burrows. 2022 8 Billion Trees. This is not so surprising when you consider that it is non-swimming. 1. Coconut crabs are primarily nocturnal, preferring to live alone in rock crevices or sandy burrows that they dig themselves. In a separate incident, a pet emu was turned in under amnesty to the Panaewa Zoo in Hilo on Dec. 5, 2014. Studies have shown that it isn't associated with the crab's sex, size, or pincer strength. They also populate Suwarrow, an island among 22 others, and Mangaia, the southernmost of these islands. On the various islands where coconut crabs make their habitats, they are killed and served up as a delicacy. It is closely related to the hermit crab and king crab. So, even though these strange crabs may not seem all that crucial to our survival as humans, they absolutely play an integral part in the way the world works, and its precarious balance. If coconuts aren't already available on the ground, the coconut crab can climb trees to cut them down. Alternatively, they can be spotted in the daytime when there is rainy or humid weather; it favors these conditions, which allow it to breathe better. The largest coconut crabs can exert a force of 3,300 newtons (about 742 pound-force) with their pincers. (2019, August 20). The coconut crab is found in abundance on islands throughout. But the good news for humans is that the crabs dont usually use their claws on us. But considering how scary these animals are when theyre alive, it almost seems fitting that theres a bit of a risk consuming them after theyre dead. 8Amesbury, S. (n.d.). In addition, a few coconut crabs may be dangerous to eat if the animals have fed on certain toxic plants.
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